A systematic revision of the native species of the family Capparaceae (Cleome excluded) was carried out. The presence of Boscia angustifolia in Egypt is uncertain, while Capparis spinosa is represented in Egypt by 3 varieties viz. : spinosa, inermis & deserti. Diagnostic characters of the taxa are given and a key for the separation of species and varieties, synonyms and notes on distribution are provided. SEM features of the leaf epidermis were proved to be of taxonomic significance.

Pollen grains of 15 species belonging to Centaurea and three allied genera of Compositae in Egypt were studied. Pollen characters, including those of size, shape, exine sculpture and structure of the aperture allowed the recogrition of three pollen types : Centaurea, Amberboa and Carthamus. A key for the separation of the different species is provided.

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Seed bank dynamics and vegetation analysis were undertaken in the eastern outskirts of Jeddah town. Seven plant communities are recorded namely Lasiurus scindicus, Calotropis procera, Blyttia fruticulosum, Cappparis decidua, Panicum turgidum, Suaeda monoica-Tamarix aphylla and Zygophyllum simplex community. Eighty eight species of vascular plants are recorded. The study included also the evaluation of seed buried in the soil (seed bank). Relations between communities and their habitat types as well as the seed bank dynamics in the area are briefly discussed.